L to R: Delphine Owen, Cathy White, Alice Tunaru, Amy Heil
The 2018 West Penn Women’s tournament did not follow the usual script. It has been 30 years since the last time two out of town teams contested the finals. Its been nine years since 11-time champions Kelly Fischer and Jessica Guyaux were not in the finals. However, even without hometown favorites Fischer and Guyaux in the finals, spectators were treated to a splendid match between the #1 seeds Delphine Owen and Catherine White of McLean, VA and the # 3 seeds Amy Heil and Alice Turnaru from Columbus, OH. The points were long and spectacular. Owen and White were particularly adept at throwing up deep lobs as well as blitzing occasionally and Heil’s wicked backhand and Tunaru’s forehand were extreme weapons. Since all four drove the ball extremely well, both great volleying and the transition game were in full evidence. Heil/Tunaru survived 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in a long and well fought match.
It was two days of perfect weather for the 48 teams in the draw. The weather, the Thursday night party, favors and prizes were all beautifully executed by Boots Mulock and her volunteers. Well done ladies!
RESULTS: Main Draw: Amy Heil/Alice Tunaru def. Delphine Owen/Catherine White 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 Quarter Reprieve Draw: Kelly Fischer/Jessica Guyaux def. Fran Bolanis/Sarah Stallings 7-6, 6-0 16 Reprieve Draw: Vicky Brown/Janet Mazzola def. Kristin Davin/Nancy Gaspadarek 6-1, 6-4
Consolation Draw: Sarah Balint/Carla Lavrusky def. Sue Lencewicz/Karen Nejedlik 6-1, 6-2
Last Chance Draw: Kimberly Kness/Vida Komer def. Meghan Rusche/Anne Mulock Westbrook 6-0, 6-0